United Way Suncoast Invests $14.13 Million in Community Programs Across Five Counties
Three-year funding commitment will strengthen education and financial security.
TAMPA, Fla. (June 24, 2025) — United Way Suncoast (UWS) has announced a bold new round of Community Impact Investments totaling $14.13 million over the next three years, funding 67 high-impact programs that address urgent needs in educational opportunity and financial security throughout its five-county service region.
These investments reflect a growing commitment to the ALICE population (Asset-Limited, Income-Constrained, Employed), with $9.07 million allocated to educational programs supporting kindergarten readiness, grade-level reading, youth development and high school graduation and $5.06 million to financial security initiatives including workforce training, job placement and financial support services. Programs receiving funding were selected through a rigorous review process and are distributed across Hillsborough, Pinellas, Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties.
“This funding cycle marks a major step forward in both equity and effectiveness,” said United Way Suncoast CEO Jessica Muroff. “By focusing on sustained, multiyear investments, we’re helping our partners build capacity, deliver measurable results, and better serve ALICE families across the region.”
The funding represents a significant increase in support for approved applicants, with 93% of requested amounts being fulfilled compared to 58% in the previous funding cycle. This shift to full funding ensures programs can operate at maximum capacity without compromising services.
Key improvements in this cycle include:
· Stronger Regional Reach: Every county will benefit from both educational opportunity and financial security programs, expanding access in previously underserved areas like DeSoto and Manatee.
· High Return on Investment: An independent analysis found that for every $1 invested, UWS’s nonprofit partnerships generate $2.75 in added value to the community.
· Focus on Deliberate Impact: Nearly half (46%) of selected organizations operate with annual budgets between $2 million and $20 million, aligning with UWS’s research which supports that mid-sized organizations can be the most scalable and sustainable initiatives.
The funded programs range from early learning and high school success efforts to workforce development, financial coaching, and legal advocacy. Notable funded programs include Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring initiatives, Boys & Girls Clubs academic support, workforce development through AmSkills and Corporation to Develop Communities, and early childhood education through multiple providers including Lutheran Services Florida and Children First.
By prioritizing organizations with strong performance data and a clear focus on ALICE families, UWS is maximizing the return and reach of every dollar invested.
“We’re not just funding programs—we’re investing in people, outcomes, and long-term community transformation,” Muroff added.
The competitive selection process involved 40 external reviewers from industry, community organizations and philanthropy, ensuring thorough evaluation of all applications. Each application received five independent reviews before funding decisions were made.
Funding will run from July 1, 2025, and continues through June 30, 2028, with annual grants ranging from $20,000 to $100,000 per organization.
For more information, visit www.unitedwaysuncoast.org.
About United Way Suncoast
United Way Suncoast mobilizes communities to action for all. We give families and community members across our five-county footprint the “Freedom To Rise.” Founded in 1924, we enter our second century of service with a decided focus on uniting the region to generate support for hard-working families that stand one unexpected expense away from dire circumstances. We elevate early learning, energize middle school and high school youths, and empower community members through financial security. We proudly serve Hillsborough, Pinellas, Manatee, Sarasota and DeSoto counties by investing in services and programs that help people create the lives they imagine for themselves. We enhance the community by addressing emerging needs such as natural disasters, and we expand the capacity of our nonprofits to help our impact ripple through the region. Along the way, we lead, convene and collaborate with corporate supporters, individual donors, nonprofit partners and valued volunteers because we know – United We Rise, United We Win.